As many of you are aware, on 23rd March 2022, my daughter,
Maeva, was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary as me and her Mum had concerns over
reduced feeding and breathlessness.

She deteriorated quickly overnight and, the following
morning, went into cardiac arrest. After performing CPR for 2 agonising
minutes, the incredible doctors at Hull Royal were able to bring my little girl
back. But, sadly, that wasn’t the end. 

Unfortunately, Hull Royal Infirmary wasn’t best placed to
deal with Maeva’s health issues, but they were fantastic, professional and so
efficient in having her transferred to exactly where she needed to be.

Maeva was put on a ventilator and rushed to Leeds General
Infirmary, where she was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Later that day, we were given news any parent would dread to
hear. Maeva had suffered heart failure, and her heart was only functioning at
only 10% capacity. After many tests, consultations and the input of so many
expert medical professionals, she was diagnosed with a heart condition called
Dilated Cardiomyopathy. We were told there was a possibility that she wouldn't
recover at all.

Luckily, after spending a few weeks on the PICU, Maeva's
heart function started improving dramatically. We were told that an infection
may have caused Myocarditis, which in turn led to the Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
After a horrific and terrifying few weeks (which felt like months) in the
hospital, we were told that it’s possible Maeva could make a full recovery with
the correct medication. 

To this day, we haven't been given a confirmed diagnosis; we
just have to take each day as it comes and continue having regular check up at
Leeds General Infirmary.

I am overwhelmed to be joined by my close friend Danny
Uscroft-Mould, who has also decided to run the London Marathon 2023 in aid of
Cardiomyopathy UK to help people suffering from this awful heart condition.

I am desperate to give something back after what Maeva has
been through, and to help give others like her the same chance that she has
now.

Here's a message from Dan:

"When Tom asked me to run the London Marathon with him
next year in aid of Cardiomyopathy UK, I jumped at the opportunity. 

In 2015, my brother went into sudden cardiac arrest and
sadly passed away at the age of 27. I have seen first hand the heartache caused
by the loss of a loved one. So, if there is anything we can give back to
wonderful charities like Cardiomyopathy UK to prevent even one family from
experiencing this, then that is a win. 

Being able to see Tom and Aimee’s beautiful daughter Maeva
now go from strength to strength is enough motivation for Tom and myself to put
on our running shoes and endure a few hours of pain around the London Marathon
to raise some money for a wonderful cause"

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. It is a
group of conditions that affect the structure of the heart and reduce its
ability to pump blood around the body. It can have a devastating impact on the
lives of people of all ages, including babies. Medical experts estimate at
least 1 in 250 people (approximately 266,000 people in the UK) have
cardiomyopathy.  

Please see the below link, any and all donations welcome and
hugely appreciated, fingers crossed we smash our target!